Exploring the complexities of modern masculinity, this book offers a sharp and humorous critique that challenges societal norms. The author, known for previous works like Class and The Story of My Purity, delves into the pressures and expectations placed on men today, using wit and insight to provoke thought and discussion. Through engaging narratives, the book aims to redefine what it means to be a man in contemporary society.
"The breakout novel by Francesco Pacifico, one of Italy's most acclaimed writers, hailed by Dana Spiotta as "brilliantly funny and weirdly subversive" Ludovica and Lorenzo live in Rome. She works in her family's bookstore, and he's a filmmaker--or, rather, a "filmmaker": so far, all he's produced is one pretentious short film that even his friends don't take seriously. But somehow, he gets a scholarship to Columbia University, and the couple decide to head to New York--specifically, to Williamsburg: the promised land. They soon fall in with a group of Italian expats--all of them with artistic ambitions and the family money to support those ambitions indefinitely. There's Nicolino, the playboy; Marcello, the aspiring rapper; Sergio, the literary scout; and a handful of others. These languidly ambitious men and women will come together and fall apart, but can they escape their fates? Can anyone? In Class, Francesco Pacifico gives a grand, subversive, formally ambitious social novel that bridges Italy and America, high and low, money and art. A novel that channels Virginia Woolf and Kanye West, Henry Miller and Lil' Wayne, Class is an unforgettable, mordantly funny account of Italians chasing the American dream"--
The story follows a man navigating the complex interplay between faith and personal freedom, set against the vibrant backdrop of Italy. It explores the struggles and triumphs of his journey, showcasing the author's exceptional storytelling and insight into human experience. Through rich character development and a compelling narrative, the novel delves into themes of belief, choice, and the quest for identity, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and individual desires.